Director Rachel Bertone on Kiss of the Spider Woman & Why We’re Performing It Now

We sat down with Kiss of the Spider Woman Director Rachel Bertone for the first installment of our new series: Why3, a directorial take on why this production is important, why it should be performed at the Lyric Stage, and why we should see it now.

Why this play?

We need to see more representation of queer people of color on our stages.

We need to give a voice to minority groups who are oppressed and seemingly powerless.

To show us that toxic masculinity is a learned behavior and that love and knowledge can overpower it.

To remind us that love is what we are born with, fear is what we learn, and love is the ultimate cure for fear.

Why the Lyric Stage?

Because Lyric’s mission of diversity and inclusion allows us to cast the show accurately and tell the story truthfully.

Because Lyric’s intimate space forces us to closely examine and reflect upon the challenging themes and subject matter of the play. (i.e. homophobia, toxic masculinity and discrimination)

Why now?

We need this play right now because we must be able to turn to our fellow neighbor and love them despite our differences in race, gender, politics, and beliefs. We need to show compassion and empathy for everyone around us for we never truly know someone’s whole story. We must not be bystanders anymore—we must be UPstanders.

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If you’re a furloughed federal worker, come see a show on us. Bring your federal ID or proof of employment 30 minutes before any performance and we’ll give you a pair of tickets as long as we have space.